Whizz Kid Entertainment

Whizz Kid Entertainment is a high-profile established independent production company based in the heart of London. It is jointly owned by Ingenious Capital Management Ltd and founder and CEO Malcolm Gerrie.

The company is trusted producer of prime-time entertainment in a range of genres for all the major UK broadcasters and enjoys an enviable track record in format origination, high-quality output and access to major talent.

Mel B will take the reins of the UK version of the hit U.S. show when it launches on Channel 5 in 2016, bringing her unique brand of female fun to the Lip Sync battleground.

Never one to pull her punches and renowned for her lust for life, Mel B will keep the celebrity contestants in check during the fast-paced musical mania. Entertainment idol Mel B is a global TV sensation, bringing energy, professionalism and passion to her judging roles on America’s Got Talent and X Factor and as host on Dancing with The Stars – Australia.

“It’s great to be asked to present this show. Who doesn’t love letting out their inner diva?” said Mel of the gig. “The US version has me in fits of laughter and I can’t wait to see the UK show contestants give it their all. I’ll be sure to keep everyone in line!”

Based on the pop culture phenomenon of lip sync battling, Lip Sync Battle UK will feature two well-known celebrities going head-to-head with show stopping routines of smash hit songs, with dance moves, facial expressions and costumes that will blow you away! Be prepared to see some of your favourite names as you’ve never seen them before.

Channel 5’s Commissioning Editor, Entertainment Steve Regan said:“When looking for top talent you don’t get much bigger than Mel B. Mel has attitude, experience and unmistakable swagger, all vital ingredients for this high energy show. She is the perfect fit and we couldn’t be happier to have her on board. If you thought the US series got gutsy, watch out world –the Brits are coming.”

CEO of Whizz Kid Entertainment Malcolm Gerrie said: “As a big fan of the US show I was thrilled when Channel 5 asked Whizz Kid to produce the UK version of Lip Sync Battle. We really wanted to cast an amazing host to bring glamour, attitude and mischief to the show and who better than Mel B? She’s a total professional, loved by all and I know we’re going to have a riot making it with Melanie centre stage. Bring it on!”

Further talent announcements will follow in the coming weeks, including Mel B’s co-presenter.

Lip Sync Battle UK is based on Spike’s Lip Sync Battle and produced under license from Viacom International Inc. The award-nominated Lip Sync Battle was developed and executive produced for the Spike cable TV network in the U.S. by Casey Patterson of Casey Patterson Entertainment, Jay Peterson of Matador Content, John Krasinksi, Stephen Merchant and Eight Million Plus Productions. The original U.S. series is hosted by two-time Grammy award winner, LL Cool J and has featured an array of A-list musical combatants. It has already aired on Channel 5’s sister channel, Spike UK.

About Channel 5

Channel 5 launched as Britain’s fifth public service channel in March 1997. It reaches 4 in 5 of the UK viewing public each month with a broad mix of popular content. Sister channels 5*, 5USA and Spike complement Channel 5 with a mix of original commissions, and acquired entertainment and U.S. drama, while Demand 5 is a free catch up service available across multiple platforms and devices. In 2014, Channel 5 was the only major commercial free-to-air network to grow audience share across the most valuable TV audiences. Since September 2014, Channel 5 has been owned by Viacom International Media Networks.